Since I'm looking at larkspurs anyways, thought I'd post this slightly fuzzy pic of another flavor. Why is it that whenever I want to get a pic of a flower, the wind suddenly picks up? I'm making my best guess on the ID based on the lateness of bloom in June and the narrow leaves. Again with these dark blue Delphiniums, the other possibility is zigzag larkspur (Delphinium patens ssp. patens).
Thursday, June 9, 2011
western larkspur ~ 06/09/11 ~ Pinnacles
This is the first time I've ever seen a wild white-colored Delphinium. The pink undertones are best seen in shadow as opposed to full sun. Absolutely beautiful!
hedgerow hairstreak ~ 06/09/11 ~ Pinnacles
Satyrium saepium on Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus
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Rhamnaceae
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Rhamnaceae
Often when I'm able to capture photos of butterflies, I get them on perches, mud-puddling, or nectaring. For whatever reason, I rarely get them on their reported host plant as shown above. I love the iridescence of the wings and the orange knobs at the end of the antennae.
foothill penstemon ~ 06/09/11 ~ Pinnacles
foothill penstemonPenstemon heterophyllus var. heterophyllus
Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
The detail of this flower with its curved stamens is amazing. It's like a 4 gun salute to the army of bees found at Pinnacles. Interesting to note, the buds are yellow, which I barely captured in the first pic (click on it to see a larger version). While this species is common throughout the state (with 3 subspecies), this is the first time I've noticed this plant.